Credit: Compulsory training for all?

With the advent of statutory registration looming I wonder how much thought has been given to the consequences of the 'grandparenting clause' arrangements.

As dental nurses we are all being guided towards the qualification path, certainly it will be a requirement that a formal qualification is gained by all nurses entering the profession when statutory registration is adopted formally.

What concerns me is that large numbers of unqualified dental nurses will be registered via the 'grandparenting' route, these nurses although having years of experience may know very little about cross infection control or health and safety policies. This may be through no fault of their own, if they have not had access to training in these procedures they may be unwittingly carrying on bad practice.

All new nurses will have to undergo training in these very important subjects, I would like to see some sort of compulsory training procedure laid down for those seeking entry to the statutory register via the 'grandparenting' route, perhaps by the completion of NVQ units DN01 and DN02.

Our star letter writer will receive a Sonnet Black Laque fountain pen (£90 RRP) courtesy of Parker Pens.